France’s joint venture with Italy in the establishment of Concordia Station at Dome C on the Antarctic Plateau, provides a pertinent example of its
capacity to develop a highly successful bilateral collaborative partnership in Antarctica. One of the key aims of Concordia is to enhance the capacity of international researchers to undertake collaborative projects in a number of scientific domains – many of which are new and emerging fields of research, and comprise projects that had up until now, been difficult or impossible to pursue in Antarctica.
Concordia is one of sixty-‐‑eight stations operated by twenty-‐‑five nations on the Antarctic continent – forty-‐‑six of these stations are open all year round.1
Opened in 2005, Concordia is currently the only permanent joint continental station in year-‐‑round operation (operated and managed by the French and Italian national research programs). Originally established as a summer camp to provide logistical support to the European Project for Ice Coring in Antarctica (EPICA),2 Concordia’s main purpose now extends to provide a
research facility that is open to the wider international scientific community.
Concordia Station is located at the Dome C site on the Antarctic Plateau, at an altitude of 3200 meters within the Australian Antarctic sector.3
Geographically situated 1100 kilometres to the interior of the continent at
1 Mathias Strobel et Frank Tétart, “Le tourism en Antarctique: un enjeu géopolitique?”
Hérodote, 4.127 (2007): 167.
2 La Commission Européenne, “Une Vision Euopéenne pour la Recherche Polaire, Spécial
Recherche Polaire,“ RTD Info Magazine de la Recherche Euopéenne, numéro spécial (l’Unité Information et Communication de la DG Recherche de la Commission Européenne, 2005): 23-‐‑25.
3 CNRS, “Année Polaire Internationale – pleins feux sur les pôles,” Le Journal de CNRS
75°06’ South and 123°23’ East, Dome C is characterised by both extreme
isolation, and inhospitable meteorological conditions.4 Russia’s Vostok
Station 560km away, is the closest interior base to Concordia, while Dumont d’Urville Station, and Australia’s Casey Station (located over 1000km away) are the most proximate coastal stations. Average summer temperatures are around -‐‑30° Celsius, with winter averages as low as -‐‑60° Celsius. Despite the
logistical challenges, and considerable financial costs associated with
establishing and operating a scientific base on the remote Antarctic Plateau, it is the unique geographical and meteorological conditions at Dome C that make it a superior site for research in a variety of disciplines – particularly the fields of climatology and astronomy.
Following seven years of study into the architectural design of the proposed station (including consideration of the logistical support required for such a project), construction at Concordia commenced in 1995, and lasted for three summer seasons. Innovatively designed, Concordia Station is comprised of three self-‐‑elevating structures, referred to as the winter buildings, with an adjacent summer camp that serves as an emergency building. Construction of the main buildings was completed at the end of 2004. By early 2005, the following year, the two twelve meter high towers were finished. Following this, Concordia was able to host its first thirteen-‐‑member team for a nine-‐‑ month over-‐‑winter expedition.
The routine operation of Concordia is dependant upon the capacity to transport necessary equipment (an average of three hundred tonnes annually) to Dome C from Dumont d’Urville Station both safely and efficiently. Cargo shipped from Hobart, Tasmania, to Dumont d’Urville
4 France and Italy, “Concordia: A new permanent, international research support facility,
Station is transported to Dome C via the long-‐‑range traverse surface transportation system that was constructed between the two Stations. In addition to terrestrial transportation, around forty flights undertaken by Twin Otter aircraft arrive at Dome C each season, and operate between Italy’s Mario Zucchelli Station at Terra Nova Bay, Concordia, and Dumont d’Urville Station to provide transport for personnel as well as light cargo.
Concordia intends to provide an international platform upon which to base, and support research programs with shared objectives, and to improve the capacity of the international scientific community to undertake Antarctic research projects in a number of scientific domains.5 From a scientific point of
view, Concordia was initially established in order to allow scientists to pursue two primary fields of research – glaciology and astronomy. Deep ice core drilling in the Antarctic first commenced in the 1970s, and later
developed into a multilateral international project in the 1990s as part of the EPICA program. Preliminary astronomical research also took place around the same time, with subsequent European and international programs established in these disciplines.
Towards a French-‐‑Italian partnership
There are a number of factors that contributed to France’s decision to conclude a bilateral agreement with Italy, and to develop a joint station. In the first instance, Italy, as a politically important, and well-‐‑respected state (both within the context of the European Union (EU), as well as within the international arena), would together with France, enhance Europe’s level of
5 La Commission Européenne, “Une Vision Euopéenne pour la Recherche Polaire,” 32;
Nicolas Walter, “Investigating Life in Extreme Environments: A European Perspective,” European Science Foundation Report (2007).
political influence within the international Antarctic arena – particularly within the forum of the ATCM. Second, France places strong emphasis on pursuing excellence with respect to all scientific research in Antarctica. Both France and Italy demonstrate well established, and active Antarctic
programs, and have maintained long-‐‑standing interests in the region. Third, the identification of fundamental common areas of scientific interest was also a factor that contributed to France’s selection of Italy as a partner – with both nations sharing a mutual interest in astronomy, as well as a desire to pursue research in this discipline in Antarctica.6
In relation to this third point, France and Italy both maintain an historical interest in, and commitment to astronomy as a scientific discipline.7 France
has been highly active in the field of astrophysical research, with scientists setting up detectors on Kerguelen Island and Adelie Land as early as the 1960s. Site testing undertaken at Dome C throughout the 1980s confirmed its suitability as a site at which to undertake astronomical observations. A desire to implement large-‐‑scale scientific projects (particularly in the physical
science fields, such as climatology and astrophysics) constituted another motivating factor in France’s decision to establish a joint station at the interior of the continent in partnership with Italy. Via the provision of
infrastructure, logistics, and necessary expertise, the joint venture ultimately intends to contribute to the future of outer space exploration from Antarctica.
The establishment of Concordia enabled France to build on these scientific traditions, by establishing the first European astronomical observatory on the Antarctic continent. Furthermore, Concordia provides for the potential
6 A primary reason for Concordia’s construction on the Antarctic plateau rather than along
the coast, was due to the foreseen potential for the development of an astronomical facility.
7 Italian research teams established a sub-‐‑millimeter wave antenna at Mario Zucchelli Station
future development of an international scale astronomical program. It was with this in mind (coupled with the realisation of the increasing scope of diverse scientific research that has been able to take place in Antarctica due to the level of international cooperation) that a consortium of like-‐‑minded states was established. As a result collaboration at Concordia provides an immense potential to ‘add a new dimension to the annals of the ATS and Antarctic science.’8
France and Italy share a strong record of bilateral cooperation – a trend that has been progressively consolidated since the signing of the 1949 French-‐‑ Italian Cultural Agreement,9 and continues to be considered a high priority
for both nations. The Cultural Agreement provides the original legal foundation upon which France and Italy have sought to strengthen their bilateral cooperative relations in the fields of scientific research and technology. The preamble to the Cultural Agreement outlines the shared principles and values between both countries in regard to ‘intellectual life,’ and highlights a mutual desire and willingness to enhance bilateral relations regarding science. Importantly, Article 1 provides for the establishment of institutions aimed at promoting the development of mutual relations in the humanities, science, and arts disciplines; while Article 10 establishes a Commission comprised of both French and Italian representatives to facilitate the adaption of the Cultural Agreement to potential future developments between the two nations.
8 Ibid.
Recognising the value of reinforcing collaboration in key research domains of mutual interest, France and Italy signed a general Scientific and
Technological Cooperation Agreement on 21 January 2001,10 followed by a
series of more specific research agreements in 2005, in order to realise fully the potential ‘reciprocal advantages’ of bilateral cooperation. The two main objectives of the Scientific and Technological Cooperation Agreement are the exchange of scientific and technological information, and the collective definition and implementation of collaborative research programs. In this regard, France and Italy favour the elaboration of joint scientific projects that have the capacity to be couched more widely within not only European, but also international programs. France and Italy are also focused on pursuing projects that initiate the participation and support of researchers and experts from both nations for the realisation of such programs.11 Seeking to facilitate
the mobility and exchange of relevant experts and researchers, France and Italy encouraged the development of direct relations, through the signing of specific bilateral arrangements or conventions at both the ministerial level, as well as between individual research bodies, universities, and scientific
institutions.
A joint scientific and technological Commission was developed in order to, amongst other things, identify areas of mutual interest within the respective priority areas of both nations, define an annual work agenda that specifically outlines the details of planned cooperative activities, and to manage and
10 The Agreement was signed on 29 January 2001 in Turin, Italy, by the French Minister for
Foreign Affairs at the time, Hubert Vedrine, and his Italian counterpart, Minister Lamberto Dini. See, (2008) 2513 UNTS [i], Receueil des Traités: Traités et accords internationaux enregistrés ou classés et inscrits au répertoire au Sécretariat de l’Organisation des Nations Unis.
11 In terms of finances, each nation offers financial aid to researchers and technicians of the
other, for the development of research undertaken in both public and private scientific and technological establishments.
evaluate this work agenda. Furthermore, the Commission formulates and synthesises recommendations aimed at the realisation of bilateral scientific and technological cooperation.
In signing the agreement with France, Italy’s Research and Education Minister, Letizia Moratti, highlighted the likely potential for cooperation to expand and develop in a variety of disciplines, noting that agreements provide the ‘concrete proof of a renewed cooperation between countries of the European Union,’ whilst simultaneously signifying a fundamental
movement toward the ‘construction of the European Research Area (ERA).’12
The development of the ERA is a subject upon which France has placed considerable emphasis.
The Franco-‐‑Italian Scientific and Technical Council convened for the first time in March 2005. In May that same year, France and Italy signed a joint declaration, as well as a series of research agreements. These sought to enhance scientific and technological cooperation between relevant French and Italian universities, institutes, and ministries, and to encourage wider involvement among European nations in the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6) of the European Commission.
A number of these agreements were between France’s Centre Nationale de la
Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)13 and the respective Italian agency, Consiglio
Nazionale delle Richerche (CNR),14 as well as between France’s CNRS/Institut
Français de Recherche pour l’exploitation de la Mer (Ifremer)15 and various Italian
organisations in the areas of marine research and scientific cooperation in
12 Ibid.
13 The French National Centre for Scientific Research. 14 The Italian National Research Council.
Antarctica. Specifically, the series of agreements aim to ‘relaunch’ bilateral scientific cooperation in ‘strategic areas,’ in order to ensure wider
coordination and integration of joint activities at a regional level.16 Strategies
to achieve this have included increasing the ‘critical mass’ of researchers, coordinating and consolidating the actions of both nations, and providing a ‘convergent point within the EU on these themes.’17
In regard to environmental protection in Antarctica, France and Italy’s mutual acknowledgement of the vital importance of these agreements in enhancing the capacity for international scientific cooperation (as is called for under the Antarctic Treaty), and ensuring environmental protection (as is established in the Madrid Protocol), was a fundamental driver in the decision to develop a bilateral arrangement for a joint Antarctic station. Both France and Italy also recognised that such an initiative would enhance the capacity to pursue scientific projects of direct relevance to safeguarding the Antarctic environment.18
France and Italy had extensive experience in negotiating and developing bilateral agreements – particularly those relating to scientific and technical matters. The significant value of these pre-‐‑existing bilateral arrangements to both nations is clearly evident. This contributed to France’s decision to continue this tradition, and propose the development of a French-‐‑Italian
16 Times Higher /Education (THE), “Italy signs bilateral research agreements with France,
Spain and Portugal,” Cordis RTD-‐‑News, European Communities (Brussels, 13 May 2005), http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?storyCode=196049§ioncode=26.
17 Ibid.
18 As documented earlier, France was instrumental in the rejection of CRAMRA, and played
a major role in leading negotiations towards the Madrid Protocol, particularly among European Antarctic Treaty Member States. Following France and Australia’s lead, Italy was one of the first nations to indicate support for an environmental protection regime in favour of the Minerals Convention. A more comprehensive discussion of France’s role in the development of the Madrid Protocol is provided in Chapter Two.
research station in Antarctica. Importantly, these agreements also provided a solid legal and institutional framework on which to develop an agreement specific to scientific and technological cooperation in the Antarctic, and that would be centred upon the establishment of a conjointly managed station.
Prior to the selection of Italy as a partner, France’s national Polar Institute (l’Institut Paul Emile Victor, the IPEV) proposed the development of a joint station with the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD). A lack of common interests in terms of the type of research to be undertaken at the planned station significantly assisted Australia and France in deciding not to progress this idea.19 France, while intending that a new joint station develop into an
international astronomical observatory for studies into outer space, did not possess all the resources to undertake the construction and operation of another station independently. Realising the immense benefits of harnessing the engagement of a European nation, France decided to undertake
collaboration with Italy in the venture of establishing a conjoint research facility at Dome C.
The Agreement on Scientific Cooperation in the Antarctic
The opportunities for a joint French-‐‑Italian scientific partnership in
Antarctica were first mentioned at the conference, ‘Polar Research: a strategy for the year 2000,’ held at the Academie des Sciences, in Paris in 1992.20 In
19 At this time, Australia’s Antarctic program did not demonstrate significant interest in
pursuing research in the atmospheric or physical sciences. In light of this, and given the high costs associated with establishing and maintaining another station (particularly one located at the interior of the continent), Australia considered the proposal to be outside its key areas of interest, and declined France’s offer to establish a joint station. Rex Moncur, personal communication, 16 November 2011, Hobart.
20 ARENA Consortium, “A Vision for European Astronomy and Astrophysics at the
Antarctic Station Concordia, Dome C in the next decade 2010-‐‑2020,” ed. Nicolas Epchtein (Novaterra/Montpellier, 2010): 18.
March 1993, the French and Italian national Antarctic programs – at the time, the French Institute for Polar Research and Technology (that later became the IPEV), and Italy’s National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and
Sustainable Economic Development (the ENEA) in its capacity as the body responsible for executing the Italian National Research Program for
Antarctica (the PNRA),21 decided to advance this idea. With both these
agencies demonstrating extensive experience in the practice and
management of polar logistics, the formulation of a bilateral agreement to develop a program for scientific and technological research cooperation, and the construction of a permanent joint research station at Dome C on the Antarctic plateau ensued.
Signed on 4 October 2005 (entered into force in 2007) by former French Minister for Education and Research, Mr Francois Goulard, and his Italian counterpart at the time, Mrs Laetizia Moratti, l’Accord de Coopération
Scientifique en Antarctique (the Agreement on Scientific Cooperation in the Antarctic) constitutes a unique and successful institutional arrangement within the ATS.22
Construction of Concordia commenced in 1995, and despite periods of stalled development up until 1999 due to ongoing logistical issues, the Station was officially opened for summer operation by December 1997.23 In
May 2004 Concordia’s construction phase was nearing completion, and the opening of the station for year-‐‑round operation was planned for 2005.24
21 Programma Nazionale Richerche in Antartide.
22 (2005) J.O. no 62 (hereafter Antarctic Cooperation Agreement or Accord de Coopération
Scientifique en Antarctique).
23 ARENA Consortium, “A Vision for European Astronomy,” 18.
24 Summer campaigns may last for a duration of up to four months, while winter campaigns
may last as long as eight months. Facilities at Concordia allow for sixteen personnel during a winter campaign – this includes nine staff undertaking scientific activities, as well as seven
Following this, a committee, established by both nations, and charged with the implementation of Concordia under the Agreement, further defined the rules of the Agreement relating to the use of both the Dome C site, and the Station facilities, as well as for the establishment and implementation of joint scientific and technological programs.
Comprised of eight articles, the Antarctic Cooperation Agreement outlines the requirements France and Italy must fulfil and comply with in relation to the implementation and management of the bilateral partnership. These requirements are practically implemented by the national bodies responsible for the operation of Concordia – the IPEV, and Italy’s National Scientific committee for Antarctica (CSNA), operating through the ENEA.25
Importantly, Article 1 of the Agreement stipulates that both Parties pursue scientific and technological cooperation at Concordia Station within the legal and institutional scope of the ATS. The Agreement also outlines provisions for the conduction of both joint logistical operations (in relation to
equipment, and the maintenance of existing national scientific and technological installations), as well as of joint scientific and technological